Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry

Summary

Ben Vrackie is indelibly associated with the town of Pitlochry at its foot, and has long been an extremely popular objective for those visiting the town. The summit is a superb viewpoint, and the ascent uses good paths. The route description includes an optional diversion on the return - or a suggestion for a day-long route.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Well made path. Beyond the loch the climb up Ben Vrackie is steep with rough stone steps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Ben Vrackie car park off lane just north west of Moulin .

Public Transport

Buses and long distance coaches to Pitlochry.

Start Grid Ref

NN943595

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.2km / 6.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 780m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ben Vrackie

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Walk Description

User reports (80)

Stage 1

Start at the Ben Vrackie car park which is just NW of Moulin (it can easily be walked from Pitlochry). Turn left off the A924 immediately behind the Moulin Hotel and follow the road uphill, continuing ahead at a junction. The first car park is a short distance up the lane on the right. Begin the walk by continuing up the tarmac lane, reaching a 2nd higher car park on the right after 250m. From this car park take the markedd footpath that leads uphill through beech trees. Climb a few wooden steps, and at a small track go straight across through a gate. The path runs along the edge of the trees and meets another track; bear left along this, then right onto a path once more. The path crosses a couple of footbridges, then leaves the woods at a gate, continuing onto the open moorland.

Stage 2

The path crosses the heather moorland giving views towards the summit of Ben Vrackie. Looking back there are excellent views over Pitlochry and down the strath beyond. Continue on the main path where a path heads off to the left at a signed junction. The path off left is part of the Bealach walk and is used on the return route described here. The track passes through another gate and continues gently uphill.

Stage 3

The path leads round a bend and then passes a group of boulders with a seat overlooking Loch a' Choire with the path visible climbing up the steep cone of Ben Vrackie beyond. Follow the path across the earth dam of the loch to another seat. Cross the outlet burn on stepping stones to start the climb to the summit (ignoring the small path off left).

Stage 4

This part of the climb is steep, with many rough stone steps, though the path is clear in summer conditions. At about 750m it swings left of the final climb towards the summit cairn.

Stage 5

From the summit the views are superb, now taking in the panorama up the strath towards Blair Atholl as well as down below Pitlochry. The three summits of Beinn a Ghlò look particularly fine, with the Cairngorms beyond. There is a viewpoint marker to help identify the peaks.

Stage 6

The return route is by the same outward path initially, so head back down the steep path.

Stage 7

Continue down until just before the outlet of Loch a' Choire. The quickest way back here is to continue back the way you came, but to vary the route you can take the narrower path branching off to the right, skirting around the shores of the loch. Towards the far end the path can be boggy in places; beyond the loch it curves left and climbs slightly through heather moorland.

Stage 8

Soon the path swings left and then back right to zig-zag and gain a little height; shortly afterwards it forks - keep on the main right hand path here. There are great views towards Blair Atholl. Continue downhill until you reach a clear signed t-junction.

Stage 9

Taking a right turn here would allow you to join the rest of the Bealach and Killiecrankie walk which would add an additional 7km to your route. Otherwise, turn left to climb gently uphill and through the Bealach na Searmoin to eventually return to the outward Ben Vrackie path where you turn right and head downhill back to the start of the walk.

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